Some notes on spirits

A few of us went out last night to Bourbon and Branch... a seriously cool bar that goes to great pains to replicate a speakeasy atmosphere. They even go as far to have a slew of rules that, if you break, can get you kicked the hell out. There's no sign in front of the place, you have to have reservations and there's a great little library room in the back that you enter through a trick bookcase-door. Too Cool.

I had two fine bourbons: a Black Maple Hill small batch bourbon (~8 years, probably) and the most amazing 23-year old Vintage Rye from Kentucky Bourbon Distillers. The BMH was good and tasty (about $14) but the rye (much, much more expensive) was truly out of this world amazing. As the bartender explained, 23 years is about the limit for aging in-barrel of a bourbon... but rye whiskey seems to hold its spice and sweeten up right up to 23 years (and, apparently, there is quite a bit of lively debate about how long is too long to age this stuff). Needless to say, the Vintage Rye was mellifluous, slightly sweet and the taste was so complex that it was inexplicable, in a Lovecraftian kind of way.

Oh yeah, I just got my shipment from Sequoia Grove's wine club and, surprise!, it's their first attempt at a vintage Cabernet Franc varietal from the vineyard on the Napa site (where they do bottling, tasting, etc.). I can't wait for an excuse to try it.

I've got a lot of respect for Sequoia Grove. Their wine is consistently amazing, they're in no way snooty about it and they're not afraid to do things a bit different. I highly recommend their rosé from syrrah and their cabs and chards are kick ass... btw, there are a whole slew of wines that they only sell out of their Napa location. And, if you take me along, we get free tasting and a discount!